The parameters that will be used to define the new minimum wage decree that the Government must issue

The Government must issue a transitional decree for the minimum wage increase for 2026. Photo: iStock

The parameters that will be used to define the new minimum wage decree that the Government must issue

TL;DR

  • The Council of State provisionally suspended the 23% increase in Colombia's minimum wage for 2026.
  • The National Government must issue a new decree for the minimum wage increase, which will be in effect until a final ruling.
  • A meeting of the Salary and Labor Policy Concertation Commission is scheduled for February 16th.
  • Discussions will focus on parameters such as inflation, productivity, GDP growth, and salary contribution to national income, as outlined in Law 278 of 1996.
  • President Gustavo Petro also requested analysis of interest rates and prices, and urged capital to participate in a social pact.
  • Legal experts differ on whether the Council of State's order implies a tripartite negotiation or a unilateral executive decree.
  • The new decree is expected to confirm the same amount currently payable but with more complete technical and legal argumentation.